07/28/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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• COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 28, 1997 Council Member Kuether stated that information had previously been provided at a Charter Commission meeting indicating the estimated percentage of increase to property value following street improvement is 25%. Mr. Ahrens agreed that 20% to 30% is the norm. Council Member Kuether added that even if the increase in property value was not equal to the amount of the assessment, allowing the streets to remain in a state of disrepair and continue to deteriorate would only detract from property values. John Perin requested clarification as to why the property at the north end of Black Duck Drive is not being assessed. Mr. Ahrens reiterated that according to the preliminary study, that area was not in need of street reconstruction. Mr. Perin also expressed concern about increased traffic speed with better streets, stating that rough roads cause vehicles to travel more slowly. Council Member Kuether responded that poor road conditions also inhibit efficient emergency service. Mayor Landers pointed out that the City does not set speed limits; they are determined by the State and County. There being no further public input, Mayor Landers called for a motion to close the public hearing. Council Member Kuether moved to close the public hearing at 7:25 P.M. Council Member Bergeson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Ahrens reminded everyone about the petition process, stating that there is a 60 -day waiting period within which property owners may petition against the project. Mayor Landers clarified the process for petitioning would require only one petition, a legal document containing signatures, for the entire project. 6:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING, LILAC STREET TO LAKE DRIVE AND LAKE DRIVE BEGINNING AT I35W NORTH TO MAIN STREET TRUNK UTILITIES • IMPROVEMENT, DAVID AHRENS Mr. Ahrens suggested that although the study in preparation for this project has thus far focused on the area to the end of 79th Street, the study should be amended to include property along Lake Drive to Main Street. He then reviewed with Council its acceptance of the feasibility report based on the study of extension of trunk utilities along Lake Drive from Lilac Street to 79th Street. Last Fall a developer indicated interest in property off the end of 79th Street. The project, if ordered, will serve numerous businesses and residences along Lake Drive and provide a trunk system to branch from to serve other property in the area. This project will also serve the proposed Highland Meadows residential project that is going before the Planning and Zoning Board in August. Two neighborhood meetings have been held as well as a survey of property owners to determine interest in the trunk utilities. Mr. Ahrens also stated that he has completed a survey of the property owners to determine interest in the project, with a 33% response. A number of commercial property owners as well as Forest Lake School District officials expressed positive interest in the project going forward. According to Mr. Ahrens, the Bisel Amendment plays a pivotal role in the proposed assessment for this project. He used the example of a residential lot which would otherwise be assessed approximately $18,800 for sewer and water service. Under the Bisel Amendment the assessment would be about $8,800, for a $10,000 difference. The assessment per lot for this project under the Bisel Amendment would be approximately $1,000 per year for 15 years, and would be $2,100 per year without the Bisel Amendment. Mr. Ahrens explained that the City Charter provisions apply to this entire project area. Therefore, the 60 -day waiting period following close of the public hearing on this project, property owners will have the opportunity to petition against it going forward. • With respect to the condition of the present septic systems, Mr. Ahrens stated the City's Building Inspector conducted a review indicating approximately 130 repairs or redesigns during the past 17 years along the Lake Drive corridor.